Breakfast Cereal Used To Be Made By Shooting It Out Of A Gun

Breakfast cereal has always been a confusing food. Many people aren't aware of how it's made. But did you know, once upon a time, those flakes you spoon up with your milk each morning were made by shooting them out of a gun?

Named the puffing cannon, patented by the Kellogg brothers in the turn of the century, this machine revolutionised food technology. It allowed starchy foods to be heated and presurized to a point where they would explode into larger, puffier structures. Essentially, this was the popcorn-making technique extended to the full range of starches: corn, wheat, rice, etc.

Now, the technology has been superseded by evolved industrial processes over the last century; but Dave Arnold of the Museum of Food and Drink in New York City has built this replica for use.

Jason England

I am the Founder and Editor-in-chief of New Rising Media. You can follow me on Twitter @MrJasonEngland.

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